chronic pain

Linda is a 45-year-old female with mild to moderate lumbar pain and knee pain that has persisted for more than six months. She has mild relief with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Her pain worsens with exercise.

Research treatment options that exist for Linda and identify which therapy/treatment(s) you think would be most effective for her. You will want to consider prescription and over-the-counter medications, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, physical modalities, complementary and alternative medicines, as well as other types of treatments.

• What are the advantages/disadvantages of the option(s) you have selected?
• Should she try one therapy or treatment option at a time or consider a combination approach? Why?
• Would she benefit from beginning her treatment with less invasive options? Are there downsides to this approach?